Sugar gliders will be the focus of a talk in Shellharbour. Photo: Ken Griffiths.
Most people never see them, but sugar gliders are quietly soaring through the trees across Shellharbour and Wollongong each night.
Now, a free Shellharbour talk this week is set to uncover the secret lives of the elusive marsupials, from their role in pollinating native plants to the challenges facing their fragile habitats.
University of Wollongong graduate Ruby McPhillips will present on sugar gliders found across Shellharbour and Wollongong during her talk at the Shellharbour City Library on Thursday 21 May from 6 to 7:30 pm.
During the session, attendees will explore how these small nocturnal marsupials interact with their environment, including the important role they play in supporting the native ecosystems within the endangered Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodlands and pollinating local plant species.
Current research, Illawarra populations and the importance of protecting habitats that support these unique animals will also be part of the presentation.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the talk offered a chance to connect with wildlife that often went unseen.
“Sugar gliders are part of our local environment, but because they are active at night, many people never get the opportunity to see them,” Cr Homer said.
“This event is a great way for the community to better understand these animals and the role they play in keeping our local ecosystems healthy.”
It’s part of Shellharbour City Libraries’ ongoing Nature Talk series, which included Ghost Fungi and Sea Sparkles on the South Coast last month, and Birds in Shellharbour Backyards the previous month.
The talks are designed to inspire curiosity, build environmental awareness and encourage the community to engage with the natural world within their own municipality.
An upcoming Nature Talks includes Snakes of the Illawarra on 18 June at the Shellharbour City Library.
During this event, Dr Damien Esquerre from the Biodiversity Evolution Lab at the University of Wollongong will share his fascinating research into the evolution of snakes and snake venom.
Shellharbour also runs the Green Thumb series, with the next event on Wednesday 20 May to be on Preparing Your Winter Garden at Oak Flats Library.
This talk will see participants learn about soil preparation, weed prevention, the best plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables for the next few months, as well as a range of tips from Shellharbour garden experts.
While the sugar gliders event is aimed at adults, children aged 10 and over are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Nature Talks: Sugar Gliders In The Illawarra will be held at the Shellharbour City Library at 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre on Thursday 21 May from 6 to 7:30 pm. Bookings are essential and tickets are free.
